Furniture Support Structure

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to a furniture support structure that can be used, for example, on beds, desks, tables, chairs, and other furniture. In some embodiments, a furniture support structure comprises a hollow elongated metal tube having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is crimped and comprises a hollow circular cross-section and wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the hollow circular cross-sectional portion of the first end is threaded. Some embodiments of the present invention also relate to devices for adjusting the height of a furniture item.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/689,718, entitled “Furniture Support Structure,”filed Apr. 17, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/105,487, entitled “Furniture Support Structure,”filed Jan. 20, 2015, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated byreference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to furniture support structuresthat can be used, for example, with bed frames, desks, tables, chairs,and other furniture.

BACKGROUND

There is often a need to adjust the height of a furniture item or tostabilize a furniture item, for example, to improve accessibility, tosatisfy aesthetic preferences, to level the furniture item, to preventthe furniture item from wobbling, etc. Examples of furniture items thatare sometimes leveled include, without limitation, bed frames, desks,tables, chairs and other furniture items. Adjusting the height of afurniture item often involves adjusting the height of a furnituresupport structure such as a leg, foot, etc. While a number of techniquesexist for adjusting the height of furniture items, it would be desirableto develop new methods and furniture support structures to facilitateadjustment of furniture items.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to furniture supportstructures and devices for adjusting the height of a furniture item, andrelated items. Such furniture items can include, in various embodiments,beds, desks, tables, chairs, and other furniture items. Variousembodiments of furniture support structures and devices for adjustingthe height of a furniture item of the present invention can provide anumber of advantages that are discussed in more detail herein.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a furniture supportstructure comprises a hollow elongated metal tube having a first end anda second end, wherein the first end is crimped and comprises a hollowcircular cross-section and wherein at least a portion of the innersurface of the hollow circular cross-sectional portion of the first endis threaded.

In some embodiments, a furniture support structure comprises a hollowelongated metal tube with a first and second end, wherein the first endis crimped and comprises a hollow circular cross-section and wherein atleast a portion of the inner surface of the hollow circularcross-sectional portion of the first end is threaded, and anexternally-threaded member configured to be coupled to the hollowcross-sectional portion of the metal tube.

Some embodiments of the invention may include one or more of thefollowing features. The hollow elongated tube, in some embodiments, mayhave a rectangular, circular, oval, hexagonal, octagonal, pentagonal,polygonal, or other cross-section. In some embodiments, the hollowelongated tube may be constructed from steel or aluminum. The hollowelongated tube may have a metal thickness that is at least 120% of thedepth of the threads on the inner surface of the hollow cross-sectionalportion in some embodiments.

In some embodiments comprising an externally threaded member, the firstend of the externally-threaded member is threaded and a second end ofthe threaded member is coupled with a leveling device or floorprotector.

Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a bed frame thatcomprises a furniture support structure comprising a hollow elongatedmetal tube having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end iscrimped and comprises a hollow circular cross-section and wherein atleast a portion of the inner surface of the hollow circularcross-sectional portion of the first end is threaded. In someembodiments, the bed frame further comprises an externally-threadedmember coupled to the hollow cross-sectional portion of the metal tube.

Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a furniture itemthat comprises a furniture support structure comprising a hollowelongated metal tube having a first end and a second end, wherein thefirst end is crimped and comprises a hollow circular cross-section andwherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the hollow circularcross-sectional portion of the first end is threaded. In someembodiments, the furniture item further comprises an externally-threadedmember coupled to the hollow cross-sectional portion of the metal tube.

Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a device foradjusting the height of a furniture item. In some embodiments, a devicefor adjusting the height of a furniture item comprises a hollowelongated metal tube having a first end and a second end, wherein thefirst end is crimped and comprises a hollow circular cross-section andwherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the hollow circularcross-sectional portion of the first end is threaded, and anexternally-threaded member coupled to the threaded hollow circularcross-sectional portion of the metal tube; wherein theexternally-threaded member can be rotated to adjust the distance fromwhich the externally-threaded member extends from the first end of themetal tube.

Some embodiments of the present invention relate to methods formanufacturing a device for adjusting the height of a furniture item. Insome embodiments, a method for manufacturing a device for adjusting theheight of a furniture item comprises surrounding a hollow elongatedmetal tube with a plurality of hydraulic crimping jaws, positioning athread forming tap in the tube, wherein the thread forming tap has across-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of the tube,crimping at least a portion of the length of the tube around the threadforming tap with the crimping jaws so as to fully form threads along atleast a portion of an inner surface of the tube, backing out the threadforming tap from within the tube by rotation, and releasing the crimpingjaws from around the tube. In some embodiments, methods formanufacturing a device for adjusting the height of a furniture itemfurther comprise coupling an externally threaded member to the tube byrotating the externally threaded member relative to the threaded innersurface of the tube.

These and other embodiments of the present invention are described ingreater detail in the Detailed Description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a furniture support structure installedon a bed frame that is attached to a bed according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a furniture support structureaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2a is a front perspective view of a furniture support structureaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a furniture support structure used to connect or attachfurniture items according to one embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 4 is a device for adjusting the height of a furniture itemaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional side view of a device for adjusting theheight of a furniture item according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an externally-threaded member tobe coupled to a furniture support structure according to one embodimentof the present invention

FIG. 6 is a desk comprising a device for adjusting the height of afurniture item according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional side view of a desk leg comprising a devicefor adjusting the height of a furniture item according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an example of a flow chart of a method for manufacturing adevice for adjusting the height of a furniture item according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of an apparatus for manufacturinga device for adjusting the height of a furniture item according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8a is a top perspective view of an apparatus for manufacturing adevice for adjusting the height of a furniture item according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8b is a top perspective view of an apparatus for manufacturing adevice for adjusting the height of a furniture item according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description recites various aspects and embodiments of thepresent invention. No particular embodiment is intended to define thescope of the invention. Rather, the embodiments merely providenon-limiting examples of various methods and systems that are at leastincluded within the scope of the invention. The subject matter to beclaimed may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements orsteps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or futuretechnologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying anyparticular order or arrangement among or between steps or elementsexcept when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements isexplicitly described. The description is to be read from the perspectiveof one of ordinary skill in the art; therefore, information well knownto the skilled artisan is not necessarily included.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferents, unless expressly and unequivocally disclaimed.

Some embodiments of the present invention relate generally to supportstructures for use with, or as part of, furniture items. For example,some embodiments of the present invention generally provide a supportstructure for stabilizing a furniture item and/or adjusting the heightof a furniture item. Furniture items usually have at least two legs(often, three or more legs). While certain embodiments of the presentinvention may be described in connection with their usage with beds anddesks, it should be understood that such structures can likewise be usedor adapted for use with tables, chairs, and other furniture items.

In some embodiments, furniture support structures of the presentinvention comprise a hollow elongated metal tube with a crimped firstend and a hollow circular cross-section at the first end, wherein atleast a portion of the inner surface of the hollow circularcross-sectional portion of the first end is threaded.

In some embodiments, a furniture support structure comprises a hollowelongated metal tube having a first end and a second end, wherein thefirst end is crimped and comprises a hollow circular cross-section andwherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the hollow circularcross-sectional portion of the first end is threaded.

In some embodiments, a furniture support structure comprises a hollowelongated metal tube having a first end and a second end, wherein thefirst end is crimped and comprises a hollow circular cross-section andwherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the hollow circularcross-sectional portion of the first end is threaded, and anexternally-threaded member configured to be coupled to the hollowcircular cross-sectional portion of the metal tube.

In some embodiments, a furniture support structure comprises a hollowelongated metal tube having a first end and a second end, wherein thefirst end is crimped and comprises a hollow circular cross-section andwherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the hollow circularcross-sectional portion of the first end is threaded, and anexternally-threaded member configured to be coupled to the hollowcircular cross-sectional portion of the metal tube, and a first end ofthe threaded member is threaded and a second end of the threaded memberis coupled with a leveling device or floor protector.

In some embodiments, a furniture support structure comprises a hollowelongated metal tube having a first end and a second end, wherein thefirst end is crimped and comprises a hollow circular cross-section,wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the hollow circularcross-sectional portion of the first end is threaded, and wherein thehollow elongated metal tube has a metal thickness that is at least 120%of the depth of the threads on the inner surface of the hollow circularcross-sectional portion.

As indicated above, various embodiments of the furniture supportstructures can be used with a number of furniture items including, forexample and without limitation, beds, desks, tables, chairs, and otherfurniture. In some embodiments, the furniture support structure can beadapted for use on a particular furniture item depending on theparticular item, the amount of height adjustment desired, the desiredstrength of the furniture support structure, the number of furnituresupport structures to be incorporated into the furniture item, and otherfactors. In one example, a bed frame comprises a furniture supportstructure comprising a hollow elongated metal tube having a first endand a second end, wherein the first end is crimped and comprises ahollow circular cross-section and wherein at least a portion of theinner surface of the hollow circular cross-sectional portion of thefirst end is threaded. In some embodiments, a bed support can comprise aplurality of such furniture support structures.

In another example, a furniture item, such as a desk, comprises afurniture support structure comprising a hollow elongated metal tubehaving a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is crimpedand comprises a hollow circular cross-section and wherein at least aportion of the inner surface of the hollow circular cross-sectionalportion of the first end is threaded. In some embodiments, a desk orother furniture item can comprise a plurality of such furniture supportstructures.

Some embodiments of the present invention relate to devices foradjusting the height of a furniture item. In some embodiments, a devicefor adjusting the height of a furniture item comprises a hollowelongated metal tube having a first end and a second end, wherein thefirst end is crimped and comprises a hollow circular cross-section andwherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the hollow circularcross-sectional portion of the first end is threaded, and anexternally-threaded member coupled to the threaded hollow circularcross-sectional portion of the metal tube, wherein theexternally-threaded member can be rotated to adjust the distance fromwhich the externally-threaded member extends from the first end of themetal tube.

Some embodiments of the present invention relate to methods formanufacturing a device for adjusting the height of a furniture item. Insome embodiments, a method for manufacturing a device for adjusting theheight of a furniture item comprises surrounding a hollow elongatedmetal tube with a plurality of hydraulic crimping jaws, positioning athread forming tap in the tube, wherein the thread forming tap has across-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of the tube,crimping at least a portion of the length of the tube around the threadforming tap with the crimping jaws so as to fully form threads along atleast a portion of an inner surface of the tube, backing out the threadforming tap from within the tube, by rotation, and releasing thecrimping jaws from around the tube. In some embodiments, methods formanufacturing a device for adjusting the height of a furniture item canfurther comprise coupling an externally threaded member to the tube byrotating the externally threaded member relative to the threaded innersurface of the tube. In some embodiments, methods for manufacturing adevice for adjusting the height of a furniture item can further comprisecoupling the externally-threaded member to a leveling device or floorprotector.

As noted herein, in some embodiments, a furniture support structurecomprises a hollow elongated metal tube having a first end and a secondend, wherein the first end is crimped and comprises a hollow circularcross-section. While an element of the furniture support structure maybe referred to herein as a “hollow elongated tube,” “hollow tube,” or“tube,” it should be understood that the term “tube” is not intended tolimit the furniture support structure to structures having only roundcross-sections and that the term “tube” should be understood to includefurniture support structures with square, rectangular, oval, circular,hexagonal, octagonal, pentagonal, or other cross-sections.

The following illustrative examples are given to introduce the reader tothe general subject matter discussed here and are not intended to limitthe scope of the disclosed concepts. The following sections describevarious additional features and examples with reference to the drawingsin which like numerals indicate like elements, and directionaldescriptions are used to describe the illustrative aspects but, like theillustrative aspects, should not be used to limit the presentdisclosure.

Referring now to the Figures, FIG. 1 illustrates components of oneembodiment of a bed frame comprising at least one furniture supportstructure of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a bed frame 5comprising a furniture support structure 10. The furniture supportstructure 10 comprises at least one hollow elongated metal tube 15having a first end 20 and a second end 25, wherein the first end 20 iscrimped and comprises a hollow circular cross-section and wherein atleast a portion of the inner surface of the hollow circularcross-sectional portion of the first end 20 is threaded. In theembodiment shown, the hollow elongated metal tube 15 has a curvedportion 21 between the first end 20 and the second end 25 so as to allowthe furniture support structure 10 to be coupled to bed slats 11 toprovide support for the bed frame 5. In other embodiments, the hollowelongated metal tube 15 can be straight or substantially straight. Inthis embodiment of the furniture support structure 10, the hollowcross-sectional portion of the metal tube 15 is coupled to anexternally-threaded member 30. The externally-threaded member 30 isfurther coupled with a leveling device or floor protector 40 at a secondend 35 of the externally-threaded member 30. In addition to thefurniture support structure 10 highlighted in detail, the bed frame 5can comprise at least five other furniture support structures 10. Thenumber of furniture support structures used in connection with a bedframe or other items of furniture can depend on a number of factorsincluding for example, the size of the furniture item, the weight of thefurniture item, the weight distribution of the furniture item, and otherfactors. For example, in others embodiments, a bed frame can comprise atleast nine furniture support structures.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a furnituresupport structure according to the present invention. FIG. 2a is a frontperspective view of the embodiment in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows an example ofa furniture support structure 10 comprising a hollow elongated metaltube 15 wherein the first end 20 is crimped and comprises a hollowcircular cross-section 45 and wherein at least a portion 50 of the innersurface of the hollow circular cross-sectional portion of the first endis threaded. In the embodiment shown, the crimped portion of the metaltube 15 is formed when the walls of the metal tube are pinched togetheror compressed inwardly by crimping jaws, to reduce the diameter of themetal tube. As the diameter of the metal tube is reduced, for example,to form a hollow circular cross-section, regions of the metal tube'swalls will compress to form crimps, folds or ridges in the spacesbetween the crimping jaws. In this embodiment, the crimped portion ofthe metal tube has a diameter less than the initial diameter of themetal tube. In this embodiment, crimping the end of the furnituresupport structure advantageously leaves a circular cross-section andcrimps that allow the furniture support structure to be used for avariety of purposes. For example, the crimped circular cross-section canreceive another structure (e.g., a threaded member, an extension, afloor protector, etc.) or pieces in an assembly. In another example, thecrimped circular cross-section can facilitate insertion of the furnituresupport structure into another structure (e.g., the crimped end can beinserted into the end of another furniture support structure or otherfurniture component). Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, atleast a portion 50 of the hollow circular cross-sectional portion 45 ofthe first end of the metal tube is threaded 46. In being threaded, as isunderstood by those of skill in the art, at least a portion of thecircular cross-sectional portion comprises a plurality of helical orspiral ridges or grooves configured to engage with another structure orobject having corresponding threads. The threaded end of the furnituresupport structure advantageously allows the furniture support structureto be coupled to another threaded member. Further, the threaded end ofthe furniture support structure eliminates the need to insert a threadeddevice, for example, a nut or fastener, into the metal tube so that themetal tube can receive another threaded member. In some embodiments, thehollow elongated metal tube has a thickness that is at least 120% of thedepth of the threads on the inner surface of the hollow circularcross-sectional portion. In such embodiments, the thickness of thehollow elongated metal tube can prevent the threads from wearing throughthe metal tube when being formed by a thread forming tap.

In the embodiments shown in the various Figures, the hollow elongatedmetal tubes have rectangular cross-sections. As noted above, in otherembodiments, the hollow elongated metal tubes can be hollow tubes havingother cross-sections such as square, triangular, oval, circular,hexagonal, octagonal, pentagonal, or other cross-sections. The hollowelongated metal tube can be constructed from a number of materialsincluding, without limitation, steel, aluminum, brass, copper, bronze,or other metals or metal alloys. In selecting a material to use for theconstruction of the hollow elongated metal tube, one should considerwhether the material will provide enough strength and rigidity towithstand the compressive force/stress from the furniture item. In otherwords, the material used for the hollow elongated metal tube, in someembodiments, should be rigid enough, and have enough compressive andtensile strength, to maintain the set height and stability of thefurniture item. As to the height or length of the hollow elongated metaltube, persons of ordinary skill in the art can select an appropriateheight depending on any number of factors including, without limitation,the size of the furniture, the height of the furniture item, the size ofthe legs of the furniture item, the type of furniture to which thesupport structure is to be attached, and other factors. Similarly, thediameter of the hollow elongated metal tube (or cross-sectional areadepending on the cross-sectional shape) can be a variety of sizesdepending, for example, on the size of the legs of the furniture item,the desired thickness of the tube, the weight of the furniture item, theweight to be supported by the furniture item, and others.

As shown in the various Figures, the furniture support structure can beused on a variety of furniture items including, without limitation,desks, tables, chairs, and other furniture items. For example, FIGS. 6and 6 a show a desk 60 comprising a plurality of furniture supportstructures 62. The furniture support structures can be used to adjustthe height of the desk (or other furniture items) according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

In some embodiments, a furniture support structure can be used as aconnector, for example for connecting other furniture supportstructures, or to connect pieces in an assembly, and for other similaruses. As shown in FIG. 3, a furniture support structure 10 can comprisea hollow elongated metal tube 15 wherein the first end is crimped andcomprises a hollow circular cross-section. As set forth below, a crimpedportion of the metal tube 15 can be formed, for example, by usingcrimping jaws to pinch together or compress inwardly the walls of themetal and reduce the diameter of the metal tube. As the diameter of themetal tube is reduced, for example, to form a hollow circularcross-section, regions of the metal tube's walls will compress to formcrimps, folds or ridges in the spaces between the crimping jaws. In suchembodiments, the crimped portion of the metal tube has a diameter lessthan the initial diameter of the metal tube. In such embodiments,crimping the end of the furniture support structure advantageouslyallows the furniture support structure to be used for a variety ofpurposes. For example, the crimped end of the furniture supportstructure 10 can receive another structure including, withoutlimitation, another furniture support structure, a device for adjustingthe height of a furniture item, or pieces in an assembly. In anotherexample, the crimped end of the furniture support structure canfacilitate insertion of the furniture support structure into anotherstructure. In another example, the furniture support structure can beused to connect or attach furniture items. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, the crimped end of the furniture support structure 10 allows thefurniture support structure 10 to receive a device for adjusting theheight of a furniture item 55.

FIG. 4 illustrates the components of one embodiment of a device 55 foradjusting the height of a furniture item according to the presentinvention (which may also be a furniture support structure). FIG. 4a isa cross-sectional side view of the embodiment in FIG. 4. The device 55comprises a hollow elongated metal tube 15 having a first end 20 and asecond end 25, wherein the first end 20 is crimped and comprises ahollow circular cross-section and wherein at least a portion of theinner surface of the hollow circular cross-sectional portion of thefirst end 20 is threaded. As noted above, in some embodiments, thecrimped portion of the metal tube 15 is formed when the walls of themetal tube are pinched together or compressed inward by crimping jaws,to reduce the width or diameter of the metal tube. As the width ordiameter of the metal tube is reduced, for example, to form a hollowcircular cross-section, regions of the metal tube's walls will compressto form crimps, folds or ridges in the spaces between the crimping jaws.In the embodiment shown, the walls of the metal tube have been pinchedtogether to form four crimps. In other embodiments, the walls of themetal tube can be pinched together to form more or fewer crimps,depending on any number of factors including, without limitation, thenumber of crimping jaws used to pinch the walls of the metal tube, theshape of the cross-section of the hollow elongated metal tube, and otherfactors. In the embodiment shown, an externally-threaded member 30 iscoupled to the threaded hollow circular cross-sectional portion of themetal tube 15. In the embodiment shown, the externally-threaded member30 is configured such that it can be rotated to adjust the distance fromwhich the externally-threaded member extends from the first end 20 ofthe metal tube 15. In the embodiment shown, the externally-threadedmember 30 has a diameter less than that of the circular cross-sectionalportion of the metal tube 15. The externally-threaded member having adiameter less than that of the circular cross-sectional portion of themetal tube advantageously allows the externally-threaded member to becoupled to the circular cross-sectional portion of the metal tube. Insome embodiments, the externally-threaded member can include, withoutlimitation, a bolt, screw, or other similar structure configured toengage with another structure or object having corresponding threads.

As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the externally-threaded membercan be threaded on a first end 31 to allow the externally-threadedmember 30 to be coupled to the threaded hollow circular cross-sectionalportion of the metal tube and threaded at a second end 35 to allow theexternally-threaded member to be coupled to a leveling device or a floorprotector 40, or to another structure or object having correspondingthreads. In another embodiment, the externally-threaded member can bethreaded on a first end to allow the externally-threaded member to becoupled to the threaded hollow circular cross-sectional portion of themetal tube, but not threaded on a second end to allow theexternally-threaded member to be coupled to a non-threaded levelingdevice or floor protector, or to another non-threaded structure orobject. In another embodiment, the externally-threaded member can be anassembly comprising an externally-threaded member coupled to a levelingdevice, a floor protector, or another structure or object configured toengage with the externally-threaded member. In some embodiments, theexternally-threaded member can be formed with a leveling device, a floorprotector or other structure at one end as a single structure.

As noted above, the device for adjusting the height of a furniture itemcan be used on a variety of furniture items including, withoutlimitation, desks, tables, chairs, and other furniture items. Forexample, in some embodiments, the device 55 for adjusting the height ofa furniture item depicted in FIGS. 4 and 6 a can be used to adjust theheight of a variety of furniture items. FIGS. 6 and 6 a illustrate anembodiment where a plurality of devices 55 for adjusting the height of afurniture item (or furniture support structures) is utilized with a desk60. In some embodiments for use with desks and chairs, the device(s) 55for adjusting the height of a furniture item can be positioned under thechair or desk 60 (e.g., as part of the legs). In the embodiment shown,the device 55 for adjusting the height of a furniture item is enclosedwithin a surrounding tube 62 as an example of an aesthetically pleasingway in which to use a device for adjusting the height of a furnitureitem.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 6 a, the device 55 for adjustingthe height of a furniture item structure comprises a hollow elongatedmetal tube 15 with a circular cross-section. In this embodiment, thefirst end 20 of the metal tube 15 is crimped and comprises a hollowcircular cross-section.

In the embodiment shown, an externally-threaded member 30 is threaded ona first end 31 to allow the externally-threaded member 30 to be coupledto the threaded hollow circular cross-sectional portion of the metaltube 15. In the embodiment shown, the externally-threaded member 30 hasa diameter less than that of the circular cross-sectional portion of themetal tube 15. The externally-threaded member having a diameter lessthan that of the circular cross-sectional portion of the metal tubeadvantageously allows the externally-threaded member to be coupled tothe circular cross-sectional portion of the metal tube. In theembodiment shown, the metal tube 15 can be configured such that it canbe rotated to adjust the distance from which the metal tube 15 extendsfrom the first end 31 of the externally-threaded member 30. As the metaltube 15 can be the bottom of the leg of the desk 60, such a featurepermits adjustment of the length of this leg and thereby the height ofthe desk 60.

The externally-threaded member can also be threaded at a second end toallow the externally-threaded member to be coupled to a desk havingcorresponding threads. In the embodiment shown, the externally-threadedmember 30 is coupled to the desk 60 and extends downward from the baseof the desk 60. In another embodiment, the externally-threaded member 30can be threaded on a first end 31 to allow the externally-threadedmember 30 to be coupled to the threaded hollow circular cross-sectionalportion of the metal tube 15, but not threaded on a second end 35 toallow the externally-threaded member 30 to be coupled to a non-threadeddesk.

As another example, a device for adjusting the height of a furnitureitem (or furniture support structure) can be used on a bed frame. Insome embodiments for use with beds, like the bed frame shown in FIG. 1,the device(s) 55 for adjusting the height of a furniture item (orfurniture support structures) can be positioned near the center of bedslats 11. In other embodiments, the device(s) can be placed at anylocation where the bed frame contacts the floor, such as the corners ofthe bed, along side rails, beneath slats, underneath a headboard,underneath a footboard, or combinations of such locations.

Furniture support structures and devices for adjusting the height of afurniture item can be manufactured using a variety of techniques. FIG. 7is an example of a flow chart 70 summarizing a method for manufacturinga device for adjusting the height of a furniture item according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

In step 75, a hollow elongated metal tube is surrounded with a pluralityof hydraulic crimping jaws. The tube is positioned so that the hydrauliccrimping jaws can be pressed against the tube to crimp the tube. Asnoted above, in some embodiments, the hollow elongated metal tube can bea hollow tube having any cross-section such as a square, triangular,oval, circular, hexagonal, octagonal, pentagonal, or othercross-section. The hollow elongated metal tube can be constructed from anumber of materials including, without limitation, steel, aluminum,brass, copper, bronze, or other metals or metal alloys. As to the numberof crimping jaws to be used to surround a tube with a particularcross-section, persons of ordinary skill in the art can select anappropriate number of crimping jaws depending on any number of factorsincluding, without limitation, the size of the crimping jaws, the shapeof the cross-section of the hollow elongated metal tube, the diameter ordimensions of the tube, the thickness of the tube, and other factors.For example, in some embodiments, for a hollow elongated metal tube witha circular cross-section, the number of crimping jaws to be used tosurround the tube can be two or three. In another embodiment, for ahollow elongated metal tube with a square or rectangular cross-section,the number of crimping jaws to be used to surround the tube can be four.

In step 80 a thread forming tap is positioned in the tube. The threadforming tap has a cross-sectional area that is less than thecross-sectional area of the tube. In some embodiments, the threadforming tap has a diameter less than the diameter of the hollowelongated metal tube (or having a cross-sectional area less than thecross-sectional area of the hollow elongated metal tube). The threadforming tap having a diameter less than the diameter of the hollowelongated metal tube advantageously allows the thread forming tap to bepositioned inside the tube. Further, the tap being threaded and having adiameter less than the diameter of the hollow elongated metal tubeallows the tap to fully form threads along a portion of the innersurface of the tube as the tube is crimped around the thread formingtap. In some embodiments, the diameter of the thread forming tap cancorrespond to the diameter of an externally-threaded member to becoupled to the metal tube.

In step 85, the hydraulic crimping jaws crimp at least a portion of thelength of the tube around the thread forming tap so as to fully formthreads along at least a portion of an inner surface of the tube. Thecrimped portion of the metal tube forms as the walls of the metal tubeare pinched together or compressed inward by the crimping jaws to reducethe diameter or width of the metal tube. As the diameter or width of themetal tube is reduced, for example, to form a generally roundcross-section, regions of the metal tube's walls will compress to formcrimps, folds or ridges in spaces between the crimping jaws. As themetal tube is crimped around the thread forming tap, the thread formingtap fully forms threads along a portion of the inner surface of thetube.

In step 90 the thread forming tap is fully removed from the tube bybacking the tap out of the tube by rotation (e.g., reversing the threadforming tap out of the crimped portion of the tube) while the crimpingjaws are compressing the tube against the thread forming tap. Removingthe thread forming tap from the tube while the crimping jaws arecompressing the tube against the thread forming tap can allow deeperthreads to be formed in the tube. In step 95 the crimping jaws arereleased from around the tube. In some embodiments, the method furthercomprises steps 100 and 105. In step 100, an externally-threaded memberis coupled to the tube by rotating the externally threaded memberrelative to the threaded inner surface of the tube. In anotherembodiment, the method further comprises step 105. In step 105, theexternally threaded member is coupled to a leveling device or a floorprotector.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of an apparatus for manufacturinga furniture support structure according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. The apparatus 110 can include hydraulic crimping jaws (asshown in FIGS. 8a and 8b ) to crimp an end of a hollow metal tube. Insome embodiments, the apparatus can be used to manufacture a furnituresupport structure according to some embodiments of the presentinvention.

In the embodiment shown, the apparatus 110 includes a thread forming tap120 wherein the thread forming tap 120 has a cross-sectional area lessthan the cross-sectional area of the metal tube 15 to be crimped. Thehydraulic crimping jaws crimp at least a portion of the length of themetal tube 15 around the thread forming tap 120 so as to fully formthreads along at least a portion 50 of an inner surface of the metaltube 15. When threads are fully formed, the thread forming tap 120 canbe removed from within the metal tube 15 by backing the thread formingtap 120 out of the metal tube 15 by rotation, and the hydraulic crimpingjaws can then be released.

FIG. 8a is a top perspective view of the embodiment of an apparatus 110shown in FIG. 8. The hollow elongated metal tube 15 is surrounded byfour hydraulic crimping jaws 115 to crimp at least a portion of themetal tube 15. In this view, the hydraulic crimping jaws 115 have beenextended in order to crimp a lower portion of the metal tube 15 aroundthe thread forming tap 120. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8a , themetal tube 15 has a rectangular cross-section.

As noted above, in other embodiments, the metal tube 15 can be a hollowtube having any cross-section such as square, triangular, oval, circularhexagonal, octagonal, pentagonal, or other cross-section.

FIG. 8b is a top perspective view of the embodiment of the apparatus 110shown in FIGS. 8 and 8 a, except that the hydraulic crimping draws 115have been released and the metal tube 15 has been removed from thethread forming tap 120. In this example, there are four hydrauliccrimping jaws 115 to be used to crimp at least a portion of the lengthof the tube around the thread forming tap 120. As noted above, in otherembodiments, an apparatus can include a different number of hydrauliccrimping jaws. As to the shape of the hydraulic crimping jaws to be usedwith a tube of a particular cross-section, persons of ordinary skill inthe art can select an appropriate shape depending on any number offactors including, without limitation, the shape of the cross-section ofthe hollow elongated tube, the number of crimping jaws, and otherfactors. As noted above, in other embodiments, the thread forming taphas a cross-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of thetube. In some embodiments, the thread forming tap has a diameter lessthan the diameter of the hollow elongated metal tube (or width dependingon the cross-sectional shape).

As is evident from the various Figures, furniture support structures anddevices for adjusting the height of a furniture item of the presentinvention can be utilized in multiple ways. FIG. 3 illustrates the usageof one embodiment of a furniture support structure according to thepresent invention. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, thefurniture support structure can be used as a connector, for example forconnecting other furniture support structures, or to connect pieces inan assembly, and for other similar uses. As shown in FIG. 3, thefurniture support structure 10 can be used to connect to or receive adevice for adjusting the height of a furniture item 55. In otherexamples, the furniture support structure 10 can also be used to connector attach furniture items.

In another example, FIG. 6 illustrates another usage of one embodimentof a device for adjusting the height of a furniture item according tothe present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the device 55for adjusting the height of a furniture item can be used to adjust theheight of a desk 60. In some embodiments for use with desks and chairs,the device(s) 55 for adjusting the height of a furniture item can bepositioned under the chair or desk 60. The device 55 for adjusting theheight of a furniture item can be enclosed within a surrounding tube orleg of the chair or desk 60. In other examples, the device for adjustingthe height of a furniture item 55 can be used as the leg of the chair ordesk.

While not shown in the other Figures, it should be understood thatfurniture support structures and/or devices for adjusting the height ofa furniture item according to various embodiments of the presentinvention can likewise be used or adapted for use with other furnitureitems.

Desirable characteristics, which can be exhibited by various embodimentsof the present invention, can include, but are not limited to, theprovision of furniture support structures that provide a way to adjustthe height of a furniture item to improve accessibility; the provisionof furniture support structures that allow one to stabilize an item offurniture with relative ease; the provision of furniture supportstructures that eliminate the need for additional crimped parts for theconnection of hollow metal tubes; the provision of furniture supportstructures that can be cost-effective to manufacture by eliminatingcosts related to purchasing additional crimped parts and assembly labor;the provision of furniture support structures that can remove theopportunity for noise from the relative motion of numerous components byeliminating the need for separate additional parts; the provision offurniture support structures that can provide greater strength than tubeconnecting nuts, fasteners, and plastic alternatives; and/or others.

It is to be understood that the present description illustrates aspectsof the invention relevant to a clear understanding of the invention.Certain aspects of the invention that would be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art and that, therefore, would not facilitate abetter understanding of the invention have not been presented in orderto simplify the present description. Although the present invention hasbeen described in connection with certain embodiments, the presentinvention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but isintended to cover modifications that are within the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

What is claimed:
 1. A furniture support structure comprising: a hollowelongated metal tube having a first end and a second end, wherein thefirst end is crimped and comprises a hollow circular cross-section andwherein at least a portion of an inner surface of the hollow circularcross-sectional portion of the first end is threaded.
 2. The furnituresupport structure of claim 1, further comprising an externally-threadedmember configured to be coupled to the hollow circular cross-sectionalportion of the metal tube.
 3. The furniture support structure of claim2, wherein a first end of the threaded member is threaded and a secondend of the threaded member is coupled with a leveling device or floorprotector.
 4. The furniture support structure of claim 2, wherein afirst end of the threaded member is threaded and comprises a levelingdevice or floor protector at a second end.
 5. The furniture supportstructure of claim 1, wherein the hollow elongated metal tube has arectangular, a circular, or a polygonal cross-section.
 6. The furnituresupport structure of claim 1, wherein the hollow elongated metal tube isconstructed from steel or aluminum.
 7. The furniture support structureof claim 1, wherein the hollow elongated metal tube has a metalthickness that is at least 120% of a depth of the threads on the innersurface of the hollow circular cross-sectional portion.
 8. A bed supportcomprising the furniture support structure of claim
 1. 9. A furnitureitem comprising the furniture support structure of claim
 1. 10. A devicefor adjusting the height of a furniture item, comprising: a hollowelongated metal tube having a first end and a second end, wherein thefirst end is crimped and comprises a hollow circular cross-section andwherein at least a portion of an inner surface of the hollow circularcross-sectional portion of the first end is threaded; a threaded membercoupled to the threaded hollow circular cross-sectional portion of themetal tube; wherein the threaded member can be rotated to adjust adistance from which the threaded member extends from the first end ofthe metal tube.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the hollow elongatedmetal tube has a rectangular, a circular, or a polygonal cross-section.12. The device of claim 10, wherein the hollow elongated metal tube isconstructed from steel or aluminum.
 13. The device of claim 10, whereinthe hollow elongated metal tube has a metal thickness that is at least120% of a depth of the threads on the inner surface of the hollowcircular cross-sectional portion.
 14. The device of claim 10, wherein afirst end of the threaded member is externally threaded and a second endof the threaded member is coupled with a leveling device or a floorprotector.
 15. The device of claim 10, wherein a first end of thethreaded member is externally threaded and comprises a leveling deviceor floor protector at a second end.
 16. A bed support comprising thedevice of claim
 10. 17. A furniture item comprising the device of claim10.
 18. A method for manufacturing a device for adjusting the height ofa furniture item, comprising: surrounding a hollow elongated metal tubewith a plurality of hydraulic crimping jaws; positioning a threadforming tap in the tube, wherein the thread forming tap has across-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of the tube;crimping at least a portion of a length of the tube around the threadforming tap with the hydraulic crimping jaws so as to fully form threadsalong at least a portion of an inner surface of the tube; removing thethread forming tap; and releasing the hydraulic crimping jaws.
 19. Themethod of claim 18, wherein the hollow elongated metal tube isconstructed from steel or aluminum.
 20. The method of claim 18, whereinthe hollow elongated metal tube has a rectangular, a circular, or apolygonal cross section.
 21. The method of claim 18, further comprisingcoupling an externally threaded member to the tube by rotating theexternally threaded member relative to the threaded inner surface of thetube.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising coupling theexternally threaded member to a leveling device or a floor protector.